Who Is Doing This Study: The Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP), with support from the Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention (CFVPI), is conducting this survey to better understand the firearm surrender process when a domestic violence protective order is issued in Maryland.
IRB Exemption: This study has been reviewed and qualifies for an Institutional Review Board Exemption, Protocol #26-29.
What the Survey Is About: We invite anyone involved in the Maryland Protective Order process—survivors, respondents, court staff, law enforcement, and advocates—to share their experiences. Our aim is to understand which parts of the process are clear, which are confusing or difficult, where there are delays or barriers, and how we could improve safety and fairness. The survey should take about 10–15 minutes to complete depending on your role.
Who Can Take Part: You can participate if you are 18 or older and have experience with the Maryland protective order process in any capacity.
Voluntary Participation: Taking part is your choice. You can stop at any time, but your answers will not be saved unless you complete and submit the survey. There is no payment for taking part. Your decision will not affect any court case, services, job, or benefits.
Risks and Benefits: Some questions may bring up difficult memories. You can take breaks or stop at any time. If you stop, your survey will not be saved or submitted. While there is no direct benefit to you, your responses may help improve safety and services for others in Maryland.
Your Privacy: Your answers are anonymous. We do not collect your name, address, or IP address. Responses will be combined with others into a single statewide report. No individual person will be identified or quoted. This survey is not connected to any court case, police investigation, or enforcement action. We ask for your county or city only to understand needs across Maryland. Because the survey is anonymous, once you submit your answers, they cannot be removed.
How Your Information Will Be Used: BWJP will compile survey responses into a statewide needs assessment report for the CFVPI.
How Data Will Be Protected: Information is stored on secure, encrypted systems.Only authorized BWJP project staff can see the data.
Questions or Concerns About the study: BWJP Project Team at dvfirearmsmd@bwjp.org or 1-800-903-0111, prompt 5.
If you feel upset and want support, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.
